As the world changes with new technology, creative thinking is becoming more important. Barbara Drobot — educator, artist, and outstanding specialist in art education — believes we're on the threshold of radical changes that demand a new approach to developing creativity.

"Art isn't just a skill; it's a way of thinking," says Barbara. "My goal is to combine best practices to help students unlock their creative potential."

Differences in Art Education Approaches
"In post-Soviet countries, we inherited rigid academicism, while in the West, there's a total fear of criticism. I've found a 'golden middle ground' that allows for genuine creative thinking development."



According to the artist, this middle space yields the best results. "When a child learns to eat independently, we give them a fork, knowing they'll first smear food all over the kitchen. It's the same with art. We provide tools but allow them to make their own decisions," she explains.

Barbara began her journey in the AGUF fine arts workshop, then continued her education at the National Aviation University's architecture faculty in Kyiv. Today, her original teaching methods have gained international recognition.

Impressive Results
"Currently, I conduct 46 contact hours weekly with students from 21 countries. Behind these statistics are the lives of children and adults who are rediscovering the world of art without fear or templates."



In 2024, the educator created a professional club for drawing teachers that has united more than 250 educators worldwide who apply her methodology in practice.

Art as the Key to Critical Thinking
"Drawing develops critical thinking. And this isn't my hypothesis—it's proven by Harvard research," Barbara emphasizes.

Harvard University's "Project Zero," led by Professor Howard Gardner, has provided evidence linking art education to cognitive skill development. Students engaged in arts demonstrate 23% higher critical thinking indicators.

"When asked to draw a cat, we must analyze its structure, proportions, and movement dynamics — that's critical thinking in action. In art, there's no single correct answer, but rather an endless search for solutions," the educator explains.

International Recognition
"In 2017 and 2018, I was invited as an expert to conduct architectural workshops at the Archikidz Festival Kyiv. We worked with children to create a city of the future," Barbara recalls.

In 2018, she was also invited to conduct master classes for children from an orphanage at the "Cranberry" Festival in Murmansk. Her most ambitious project was painting a private home in Norway, implemented entirely remotely. "After this, I know for certain — there are no geographical boundaries for creativity," the artist notes.



Challenges in Modern Art Education
"We're observing a remarkable paradox: over the past 30 years, humanity has made tremendous technological leaps, but in art, we're experiencing regression," Barbara points out.

According to the expert, the problem lies in an education system offering templated solutions: "Teachers offered quick results through template-based pictures, and parents saw this and decided that's how it should be. Every year, people move further from understanding that art is a science and research discipline just like other subjects."

Solutions
Barbara proposes specific steps to transform art education:
"First — abandon templates and ready-made solutions. Provide tools and explain how to use them.

Second — restore art's status as a serious discipline. No one expects a child to play Tchaikovsky's concert after the first lesson, yet somehow everyone expects masterpieces after the first drawing lesson.

Third — integrate art education into all other fields. Art isn't a separate subject but a way of thinking."

In the age of artificial intelligence, it's especially important to develop what machines cannot copy — original creative thinking. Barbara Drobot's experience proves that in the technology era, creative thinking is becoming a key competitive advantage.